Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Skylar Korby from MakeSpace. Enjoy!
Your home should be a sanctuary. You know you can make it feel that way with a plush chenille sofa, tons of comfy throw pillows, and that neutral rug you’ve had your eye on for months.
But what if your new roommate’s idea of a sanctuary includes lots of bold color, kitschy wall decor, and structured bar stools?
You could fight it out in a battle royale of passive aggression and feeling uncomfortable in your own home (neither of which we recommend), or you could follow these 8 tips from our friends at MakeSpace.com, a full-service storage company that serves Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and the greater Washington, DC area.
You’ll find common ground, avoid unnecessary tension, and will create a haven that suits you both to a T.
Decide on a combined aesthetic
You’re more Neutral Bohemian, they’re more Modern Industrial. Find a way to make both styles cohesive in the apartment.
For example, pair their stainless steel dining table with your wood and linen benches. You’ll create visual interest and showcase both of your personalities in one united space.
Shop together
This is the easiest way to ensure everyone under one roof is happy. Browse furniture stores and home decor shops, and discuss why you both like or dislike certain pieces.
You’ll be able to choose an ottoman that suits the mutual needs and style of the apartment. Plus, you’ll establish a bond from the get-go that will set the foundation for an easier living arrangement overall.
Compromise on each others’ “must keep” items
They think the hand painted woodland scene they bought at Goodwill is “funny!” You do not.
You think your paper lanterns are “chic and whimsical.” They do not.
Neither of you wants to give your item up.
Time to compromise:
The paper lanterns can hang in a corner so they’re out of the way, and the painting can be hung in a slightly-less-prominent area of the home (hallway, random nook). You’ll both get to showcase your belongings without one taking precedence over the room.
Split rooms
If your roommate enjoys cooking and baking, and you’re more of a movie buff, opt to decorate the room that you’ll each be inhabiting most often.
Let him/her outfit the kitchen in a way that’s most functional, while you can trick out the living room in a way that brings you the most joy. You’ll both appreciate the chance to customize a shared space, but won’t be stepping on each other’s toes.
Start that Fast and Furious marathon while they whip up some snacks, it’s Roomie Night!
Consider any physical restraints
A petite person doesn’t realize that a dainty loveseat isn’t conducive to lounging for someone super tall. Similarly, the nemesis of a person with bad knees is a low chair.
Keep in mind who you’re living with and what physical differences you have between you when choosing furniture. The apartment should be comfortable for everyone.
Putting plates up on a high shelf might seem like a great way to store them out of the way, but we bet your short roommate thinks differently.
Employ the shoebox rule
It’s important to vet large items — like furniture or TVs — through your roommates to make sure everyone’s on board prior to purchasing. But smaller decor shouldn’t require permission, as long as they don’t take up an inconvenient amount of extra space.
Before buying an item, determine if it’s larger than a shoebox. If so, snap a picture and send it to your roommates for approval. If not, consider yourself free to add to the decor as you please.
Worst comes to worst, you bring it home, no one can stand it, and it will still fit somewhere in your bedroom to enjoy for yourself.
Just be sure to not overdo it. Having too much clutter in your home is bad for your health, relationships, career, and wallet.
Pick a color
If matching furniture didn’t really matter to you, or coming to an agreement on a harmonious aesthetic just didn’t work out, see if you can at least see eye to eye on a paint color.
A color that complements your mismatched pieces will give the apartment a sense of “accidental intention.” Whether you paint one accent wall or the entire apartment, your shared space will feel much more complete.
Store what you can’t show off
With everyone bringing in their collection of stuff from previous apartments, dorms, and parent’s basements, you’re simply not going to be able to fit it all.
There’s no reason to fight over things like area rugs and goofy table lamps. Decorate your apartment in a way that looks great while incorporating everyone’s personalities. A pleasant living environment is a sanctuary in itself.
Pro tip: Let MakeSpace store your artwork that didn’t make it on the wall and the extra coffee table you had no room for. They’ll pick up everything, store it in a temperature-controlled storage facility, and create an online photo inventory of your stuff. The best part: When you’re ready to move into an apartment that’s all yours, choose the items you’d like to bring back into the space and we’ll deliver them to you.
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